Bundle of containers, in particular bottles, cans or the like

ABSTRACT

A bundle of containers like bottles or cans comprises a structure ( 2 ) for holding containers ( 3 ), having a base wall ( 4 ) intended to support the containers ( 3 ) and lateral walls ( 5 ) extending from the base wall ( 4 ), which define a compartment ( 6 ) intended for the support of the containers ( 3 ). The compartment ( 6 ) is impermeable for receiving a predefined amount of ice intended for cooling the containers. The bundle ( 1 ) also comprises a wrapping ( 7 ) made of thermoretractable plastic material which wraps the structure ( 2 ) for holding containers ( 3 ) and the containers ( 3 ) arranged therein. The wrapping ( 7 ) has at least one access opening ( 8 ) for the introduction of the ice into the housing compartment ( 6 ) of the structure ( 2 ) for holding containers ( 3 ). An optional spacer between containers provides gaps for receiving the coolant.

The present invention refers to a bundle of containers, in particularbottles, cans or the like.

The object of the present invention aims at the industry for packagingbottles or cans which can be easily found in distribution centres.

As known, the bottles and/or cans intended for packaging food productsof the liquid type, such as water, beverages and/or the like, areusually grouped into bundles which facilitate transport, storage andsales thereof.

There are various types of bundles and/or packagings which differ interms of shape, arrangement of the containers and the used materials.

Actually, there are known cardboard bundles as well as bundles obtainedfrom wrapping plastic films, of thermoretractable type, capable ofcompacting the content thereof.

In addition, there are known bundles with gripping handles anddecomposable bundles, i.e. provided with suitable cutting and/orbreaking lines for the division of the same into several parts or undergroups of containers.

Though the known bundles allow overcoming several drawbacks ranging fromtransport to storing the containers, such bundles do not facilitate theoperations of cooling the containers using ice, mainly during outdooractivities such as for example picnics, excursions and/or the like orduring private and/or public social events such as get-together events,meetings and the like.

In particular, the Applicant observed that during the aforementionedoutdoor and/or social events, there arises the need to have suitablecontainers which are filled with ice for receiving the bottles and/orcans, previously removed from the respective bundles, to be cooled.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a bundle ofcontainers, in particular bottles, cans or the like, capable ofovercoming the problems observed in the prior art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a bundle capable ofcontaining a predefined amount of ice required for cooling thecontainers present therein.

Another object of the present invention is to simplify the preparationsfor outdoor or social activities.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent the use ofcumbersome recipients for cooling the containers.

These and other objects are substantially obtained by a bundle ofcontainers, in particular bottles cans or the like, as outlined anddescribed in the following claims.

Below there is the description, by way of non-exclusive example, of apreferred embodiment, of a bundle of containers, in particular bottles,cans or the like, according to the present invention.

The description shall be outlined hereinafter with reference to theattached drawings, provided solely for indicative and thus non-limitingpurposes, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a bundle of containers, inparticular bottles, cans or the like, according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the bundle subject of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blanking regarding a particular of the bundlesubject of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section, performed along line IV-IV, of theblanking subject of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlargement of a detail of the blanking illustrated in FIG.3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective representation of the blanking subject of FIGS.3 to 5 illustrated during a bending step of the same;

FIG. 7 is a top view of an accessory applicable to a bundle ofcontainers, according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a top view of an accessory applicable to a bundle ofcontainers, according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a top view representation of a bundle of containers providedwith the accessory subject of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an elevational representation of an alternative version ofthe bundle of containers, according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a top schematic representation of the bundle illustrated inFIG. 10.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 9 to 11, a bundle of containers, inparticular bottles, cans or the like, according to the present inventionis indicated in its entirety with 1.

As observable in FIGS. 1, 2, and 9 to 11, the bundle comprises astructure 2 for holding containers 3, provided with at least one basewall 4 intended to support a plurality of containers 3 and at least onelateral wall 5 which extends transversely, preferably perpendicularly,perimetrically from the base wall 4.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 9 to 11,the structure 2 for holding containers 3 is provided with four lateralwalls 5 which extend perimetrically from the base wall 4 to define aconcave box-shaped structure.

The base wall 4 and the lateral walls 5 define a housing compartment 6open at the upper part and intended to support the aforementionedcontainers 3.

Advantageously, the housing compartment 6 is impermeable so as to beable to receive a predefined amount of coolant 1 a (FIG. 1), liquid orsolid, such as for example ice.

The structure 2 for holding containers 3 is made of a single piece,optionally starting from a sheet 2 a (FIGS. 3 to 5). Preferably, thesheet 2 a is made of cardboard or a similar paper material, whosesurface intended to define the housing compartment 6 is suitably madeimpermeable, preferably using one or more hydrophobic substances, suchas for example paraffin, resins and/or the like.

Alternatively, the sheet 2 a for the formation of the structure 2 forholding containers 3, is plasticised or it is entirely made of a plasticrigid or semi-rigid impermeable material.

As observable in FIGS. 3 to 5, the aforementioned sheet 2 a has aplurality of bending lines 2 b through which it is possible to form thestructure 2 for holding containers 3, which may be fixed in the finalposition (FIGS. 1 and 2) through suitable gluing and/or welding points.

As observable in the enlargement of FIG. 5, each bending line 2 b isobtained through a section reduction which is obtained on the surfaceopposite to the surface relative to the housing compartment 6impermeable, i.e. on the surface faced outwards.

In addition it should be observed that the bending lines may also beobtained on the surface intended to define the housing compartment 6,i.e. on the surface faced inwards.

Advantageously, the bending lines 2 b are also treated and madeimpermeable, at least at the housing compartment 6, for preventinglosses of coolant 1 a during the utilisation of the bundle 1.

The formation of the housing compartment 6 starting from the cardboardor plastic sheet 2 a may be obtained around a group of containers 3 tobe packaged (FIG. 6) or before the positioning of the same in thehousing compartment 6.

With the aim of ensuring optimal cooling of the containers 3 during theuse of the bundle 1 and containment the overall volume of the coolant 1a used, the lateral walls 5 of the structure 2 for holding containers 3extend vertically by at least one third of the height of the heldcontainers 3, preferably by at least half of the height of the heldcontainers 3, even more preferably by at least two thirds of the heightof the containers 3.

As observable in FIG. 2, the lateral walls 5 of the structure 2 forholding containers 3 may have different heights depending on the type ofpackaging or bundles to be obtained.

As observable in FIGS. 1, 2 and 9 to 11, the bundle 1 comprises at leastone wrapping 7 made of thermoretractable plastic material which wrapsthe structure 2 for holding containers 3 and the containers 3 arrangedtherein.

The wrapping 7 adheres externally to the base wall 4, to the lateralwalls 5 and to the upper part of at least one of the containers 3arranged in the housing compartment 6.

As observable in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wrapping 7 circumscribes,compacting, the structure 2 for holding containers 3 and the containers3 arranged therein.

In this case, the structure 2 for holding containers 3 has the purposeof providing an impermeable volume suitable to receive the coolant 1 ato be used, while the wrapping 7 exclusively performs the structuralfunction of the bundle 1, conferring shape and consistency to the same.

Optionally, the bundle 1 is provided with sealing means 2 c, indicatedby a dashed line in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 6, interposed between the structure2 for holding containers 3 and the wrapping 7 for preventing the leakageof the coolant 1 a from the housing compartment 6 along the lateralwalls 5.

As observable in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 6, the sealing means 2 c developexternally on the structure 2 for holding containers 3 along the entireperimeter development of the housing compartment 6. In other words, thesealing means 2 c develop along all the lateral walls 5 of the structure2 for holding containers 3 parallel to the base wall 4.

More in detail, the sealing means 2 c comprise at least one layer in asealing material, such as for example, glue, resin, rubber and/or thelike, which is applied substantially perimetrically, optionallyperipherally, on the surface of the sheet 2 a intended to face towardsto the outside.

As observable in FIG. 3, the layer of sealing material of the sealingmeans 2 c is advantageously applied also at angle areas 2 d (FIGS. 3 and6) of the sheet 2 a, so as to contribute or even replace the gluingand/or welding points which guarantee the stability of the formedstructure 2 for holding containers 3.

According to a further advantageous aspect of the present invention, thesealing material of the sealing means 2 c is adapted to be welded orjoined to the wrapping 7 of the bundle 1 following an activationoperation, which can be of the mechanical type, such as for examplepressing or adhesion, or of thermal type, such as for example heating,or of the chemical type following one or more chemical reactions.

The provision of the sealing means 2 c considerably increases theoverall and impermeable volume of the housing compartment 6 which isthus defined both by the structure 2 for holding containers 3 and thewrapping 7 wrapped around it.

Advantageously, the wrapping 7 is provided with at least one accessopening 8, optionally a plurality, for the introduction of the liquidand/or solid coolant 1 a into the housing compartment 6 of the structure2 for holding containers 3.

Each access opening 8 is defined by at least one structural weakeningline 7 a which is obtained directly in the wrapping 7, advantageously bydrilling or cutting the wrapping itself. The structure of the wrapping 7may thus be broken and/or torn to allow the formation of the respectiveaccess opening 8.

Advantageously, the bundle 1 provides for suitable closing means (notrepresented), optionally of adhesive type, for closing the accessopening 8.

Alternatively, the closing means may be obtained directly on thewrapping 7 so that the structure strip removed therefrom following thebreaking of the weakening line 7 a may be used for closing the accessopening 8 defined.

The bundle may also be provided with a gripping handle 9 which providesfor respective adhesive portions 9 a externally engaged on oppositeparts of the wrapping 7 and a non-adhesive gripping portion 9 b whichlies astride the upper area of the wrapping 7.

As observable in FIGS. 7 and 8, it is possible to provide for thepresence of suitable spacer means 10 which can be introduced into thehousing compartment 6 of the respective bundle 1 (FIG. 9) for spacing atleast two adjacent containers 3 and define between the latter at leastone interspace suitable for receiving the coolant 1 a.

The spacer means 10 comprise at least one grid 11 having a substantiallynetwork-like structure which delimits a plurality of housing seats 12for the engagement of a respective container 3 and a plurality ofcavities 13, each interposed between at least two adjacent housing seats12.

Advantageously, as illustrated in FIG. 8, each housing seat 12 has asubstantially circular-shaped or circle arc-shaped profile, optionallysmooth and/or continuous, in particular counter-shaped with respect tothe profile, in transverse section, of the container 3 to be received.

According to a further advantageous aspect of the present invention,illustrated in FIG. 7, each housing seat 12 has a notched profile whichdevelops in a substantially circular or circle arc manner.

Preferably, the notching of each housing seat is elastically yieldableto allow the interference fit of a respective container 3 to be receivedand simultaneous ensure the engagement of the same in the respectivehousing seat 12.

Still with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, wherein each cavity 13 has asubstantially rhombus or triangular-shaped profile.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the bundle 1comprises at least one lifting element 3 a, preferably a plurality oflifting elements 3 a, arranged inside the housing compartment 6 formaintaining the wrapping 7 raised with respect to the containers 3.

Advantageously, each lifting element 3 a comprises an auxiliarycontainer (indicated with bold letters in FIG. 11) which has a greaterheight with respect to the height of the containers 3 (represented witha fine line in FIG. 11) so that the wrapping 7 engages at the upper partthe auxiliary containers delimiting with the latter and the containers 3an upper chamber 14 for housing the coolant 1 a.

The bundle described above overcomes the problems observed in the priorart and attains important advantages.

First of all, the provision of a structure 2 for holding containers 3impermeable allows the introduction of ice or a coolant liquid 1 ainside the bundle so as to be able to cool the containers presenttherein without having to remove the same from the respective packaging.

The presence of the impermeable container 3 holder structure 2 alsoallows to contain the volume of water which is formed following themelting of the ice introduced into the bundle.

The bundle according to the present invention is thus transformed intoan ice holder container which can be used in a simple and practicalmanner by anyone during any outdoor or social events by providing theaccess openings required for the introduction of ice or coolant liquidwhich is easily introduced from above by gravity.

Thus, the bundle described above allows to avoid the use of bulky icecontainers into which bottles and/or cans are introduced after beingremoved from the bundles.

1. Bundle (1) of containers (3), in particular bottles, cans or thelike, comprising: a structure (2) for holding containers (3), comprisingat least one base wall (4) intended to support said containers (3) andat least one lateral wall (5), preferably four, extending transverselyand perimetrically from said base wall (4) to define a housingcompartment (6) open at the upper part and intended for supporting saidcontainers (3), said housing compartment (6) being impermeable forreceiving a predefined amount of a coolant (1 a), in liquid or solidstate, in particular ice; a wrapping (7) made of thermoretractableplastic material winding said structure (2) for holding containers (3)and said containers (3) arranged therein.
 2. Bundle according to claim1, wherein said structure (2) for holding containers (3) is made of asingle piece, optionally starting from an impermeabilized cardboardsheet (2 a), preferably with one or more hydrophobic substances, inparticular paraffin and/or at least one resin and/or at least onesimilar substance, or from a plasticized cardboard sheet (2 a), or froman optionally rigid or semi-rigid plastic sheet (2 a).
 3. Bundleaccording to claim 2, wherein said sheet has a plurality of bendinglines (2 b) for the formation of said structure (2) for holdingcontainers (3), said bending lines (2 b) being impermeabilised at leastat said housing compartment (6).
 4. Bundle according to claim 3, whereinsaid bending lines (2 b) are obtained through a section reductionobtained on the surface opposite to the surface relative to the housingcompartment (6).
 5. Bundle according to any one of the preceding claimswherein said lateral wall (5) of said structure (2) for holdingcontainers (3) extends vertically by at least one third of the height ofthe containers (3), preferably by half of the height of the heldcontainers (3), still more preferably by at least two thirds of theheight of the held containers (3).
 6. Bundle according to any one of thepreceding claims wherein the lateral wall (5) has portions withdifferentiated height.
 7. Bundle according to any one of the precedingclaims, wherein said wrapping (7) comprises at least one access opening(8), optionally a plurality, for the introduction of a coolant (1 a), inliquid or solid form, such as for example ice, in said housingcompartment (6) of said structure (2) for holding containers (3). 8.Bundle according to claim 7, wherein said access opening (8) is definedin said wrapping (7) by at least one structural weakening line (7 a),preferably obtained by drilling or cutting said structure of saidwrapping (7), said wrapping (7) being breakable or tearable along saidweakening line (7 a) for the formation of said access opening (8), saidaccess opening (8) being optionally closable through closing means, inparticular of the adhesive type, associable to said wrapping (7). 9.Bundle according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprisingsealing means (2 c) interposed between said structure (2) for holdingcontainers (3) and said wrapping (7) for preventing the leakage of thecoolant (1 a) from the housing compartment (6) along the lateral wall(5), said sealing means (2 c) developing externally on the structure (2)for holding containers (3) along the entire perimeter development of thehousing compartment (6).
 10. Bundle according to claim 9, wherein saidsealing means (2 c) comprise at least one layer made of a sealingmaterial applied substantially perimetrically, optionally peripherally,on the surface of said sheet (2 a) intended to face towards the outsideof said bundle (1), said sealing material being adapted to be welded orjoined to said wrapping (7) following an activation operation,preferably of mechanical and/or heating and/or chemical type.
 11. Bundleaccording to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprisingspacer means (10) which can be introduced into said housing compartment(6) for spacing at least two adjacent containers (3) and define betweenthe latter at least one interspace suitable for receiving said coolant(1 a).
 12. Bundle according to claim 11, wherein said spacer means (10)comprise at least one grid (11) having a substantially network-likestructure delimiting: a plurality of housing seats (12) for theengagement of a respective container (3); a plurality of cavities (13),each interposed between at least two adjacent seats, at least partiallydefining said interspaces.
 13. Bundle according to claim 12, whereineach housing seat (12) has a substantially circular-shaped or circlearc-shaped profile, optionally smooth and/or continuous, preferablycounter-shaped with respect to the profile, in cross section, of arespective container (3) to be received.
 14. Bundle according to claim12, wherein each housing seat (12) has a notched profile which developssubstantially in a circular or circle arc manner.
 15. Bundle accordingto any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein each cavity (13) has asubstantially rhombus or triangular-shaped profile.
 16. Bundle accordingto any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least onelifting element (3 a), preferably a plurality of lifting elements (3 a),arranged inside said housing compartment (6) for maintaining saidwrapping (7) raised with respect to said containers (3).
 17. Bundleaccording to claim 16, wherein each lifting element (3 a) comprises anauxiliary container having a greater height with respect to the heightof said containers (3).
 18. Assembly comprising: a structure (2) forholding containers (3), comprising at least one base wall (4) intendedto support one or more containers (3, 3 a) and at least one lateral wall(5), preferably four, extending transversely and perimetrically fromsaid base wall (4) to define a housing compartment (6) open at the upperpart and intended for supporting said containers (3), said housingcompartment (6) being impermeable for receiving a predefined amount of acoolant (1 a), in liquid or solid state, in particular ice; at least onecontainer (3), preferably a plurality of containers (3); at least oneauxiliary container (3 a), preferably a plurality of auxiliarycontainers (3 a), each having a greater height with respect to theheight of said containers (3); a wrapping (7) made of thermoretractableplastic material winding said structure (2) for holding containers (3)and said containers (3, 3 a) arranged therein, said wrapping engaging atthe upper part said auxiliary containers (3 a) so as to delimit with thelatter and said containers (3) an upper chamber (14) for housing saidcoolant (1 a).